Interchangeable Jewelry Bail and Clasp System

ABSTRACT

A transferable jewelry clasp for interchangeable jewelry designs and styles includes a series of clasp mechanisms, attachment means, and a multi-purpose pin system. Together, the transferable clasp allows for efficient changing of jewelry styles, which creates many options for the wearer and gives the wearer an inexpensive, versatile, and flexible jewelry wardrobe.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/424,114 filed on Nov. 18, 2016, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to jewelry bails and clasps moreparticularly to a transferable jewelry bails and clasps to allow forlimitless interchangeable jewelry-making options, by making it possiblefor most focal pieces to be easily transformed into pendants or be usedas a clasp by taking two ends of any chain and connecting them togetherand taking the same bail and clasp using it over and over again withoutthe use of metalsmithing or soldering equipment, putting on a jump ringor utilizing gluing techniques.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry bails and clasps are generally meant as functional componentsused to connect pendants, or other decorative ornaments, to a chain. Thebails and/or clasps are meant to slide onto the chain rather than to besoldered to it. Some bails and clasps are there for function only, witha subdued appearance that keeps them from overpowering the jewelry.Other bails and clasps are bold and are an important part of thejewelry's overall design.

Some genres of bails and clasps are more secure than others and some aremore difficult to open and close without help from another person.

Typically, jewelry items are distinct to a single type of jewelry and asingle style. For example, a bracelet with gold charms may be boughtwith a single clasp and therefore there is only one way to wear thespecific bracelet and one specific style for the bracelet. For acomplete jewelry collection and wardrobe to match all outfits, a user isrequired to purchase different bracelets to suit her style.

Further, jewelry tends to have one specific look and design. A roundgold necklace is exactly that, a round single clasp necklace thattypically has a specific pendant to accompany it. Also, that round goldnecklace can typically only be worn with a specific outfit and is unableto cross over to different styles.

Although there are a large variety of jewelry designs, most include somesort of a central ornamental piece, such as a gemstone, disposed in asetting, possibly including another aesthetic design element (e.g.engraving, finish, etc.). In most cases, the setting, including thegemstone or whatever other ornamental element is included with or on thesetting are fashioned in such a way that they form a single unchangeablepiece. In other words, ornamental element is permanently attached to thesetting and the setting, in turn, is permanently attached to the rest ofthe jewelry piece. This can be very limiting to styles and requiresjewelry wearers to purchase excessive amounts of unchangeable pieces.

For some, accessorizing outfits with jewelry is extremely important andvital to bring together certain ensembles. For others, jewelry is ameans in showing status or value: the more glamorous a piece, the moreexpensive it may be. Others individuals might just love jewelry andunique pieces. No matter what the reason an individual decides to ownjewelry, it has become increasingly more expensive over the years.Consumers are always looking for a better way to get the most bang fortheir buck while still collecting enough jewelry pieces to complimentany outfit.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The instant series of system and apparatuses, as illustrated herein, areclearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of theprior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Theinstant versatile systems (which combine elegant appearance and superiorperformance, in conjunction with secure connection capability for easein locking) and series of devices introduce a jewelry bail and clasp forinterchangeable jewelry designs clearly surpassing what's available inthe marketplace. Jewelry bails and clasps are more than just functionalcomponents used to securely connect two ends of a necklace or otherpiece of jewelry and other elements and components to each other.

Some types of clasps and bails are more secure than others and some aremore difficult to open and close without assistance from another person.The instant system is easy to open and close, in the same manner asnecklaces and bracelets. Thus, the several embodiments of the instantsystem are illustrated herein.

In one aspect, the present apparatus introduces a jewelry bails andclasp that creates interchangeable jewelry styles. In an additionalembodiment, the present system introduces a jewelry bail and clasp thatfunctions as part of the decorative jewelry piece, instead of just ameans for attaching the separate ends of a chain or serving as a bail tohang a pendent from a chain.

In an additional aspect, the present apparatus introduces a jewelrypiece that may be interchangeable and used by different chains or bandsof jewelry.

In an additional aspect, the present device introduces a jewelry claspand bail that secures the jewelry piece to the user securely. Further,the jewelry clasp is easy to use and elegant. In another aspect, thejewelry clasp is inexpensive and provides interchangeable options forendless styles and designs.

In one aspect, the present device introduces a jewelry clasp that istransferable for different neck chains or bands. In one embodiment, thejewelry system may include a transferable jewelry clasp, as well as, aneyelet hinge to complete the piece of jewelry and create interchangeabledesigns.

Realizing one aspect of the apparatus is a jewelry clasp and bail devicesystem, which provides interchangeable jewelry designs, wherein thejewelry clasp and bail is transferable to different jewelry chains orbands, and provides an inexpensive, easy, effective, and elegant meansfor creating multiple jewelry styles with a single piece of jewelry.

In addition, the instant system affords an ordinary person the abilityto become their own jewelry designers, including taking their ownheirloom or broken pieces and turning them into beautiful pieces of artwithout any prior knowledge of jewelry making.

These together with other objects of the system and apparatus, alongwith the various features of novelty, which characterize the system andapparatus, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed toand forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of thesystem, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained byits uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter in which there are illustrated several embodiments ofthe system.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects are described herein in connection with thefollowing description and the annexed drawings. These aspects areindicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed hereincan be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended tobe within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of atransferable jewelry clasp and bail fully assembled;

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the transferablejewelry clasp and bail system, wherein the transferable jewelry clasp'sparts are separated;

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the transferablejewelry clasp, wherein the transferable jewelry clap's parts are furtherseparated;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment of atransferable jewelry clasp fully assembled;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top perspective view of an additional embodimentof the transferable jewelry clasp, wherein a latch arm is displayed;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of an additional embodiment of thetransferable jewelry clasp, wherein the latch arm is engaged with alatch arm clasp;

FIGS. 2D-2G illustrates additional embodiments of the transferablejewelry clasp;

FIG. 2H illustrates an additional embodiment of the transferable jewelryclasp with an additional attachment means;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of thetransferable jewelry clasp;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a multi-purpose mating jewelryhoop;

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the receiving hoop;

FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the receiving hoopfurther illustrating the receiving apertures;

FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of the receiving hoop furtheridentifying an embodiment with three (3) mating and retaining pinsvisible.

FIG. 4E illustrates a front view of the receiving hoop furtherillustrating a set of larger, more decorative receiving apertures.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment ofthe transferable jewelry bail and clasp system utilizing a centralized,single pin configuration and at least one bejeweled side.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment ofthe transferable jewelry bail and clasp system utilizing a centralized,single pin configuration.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of an additional embodiment of thetransferable jewelry bail and clasp system utilizing a centralized,single pin configuration.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment ofalternative designs of the transferable jewelry clasp and charm conceptwherein alphabetical or numerical expressions and pins may be utilized.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment ofalternative designs of the transferable jewelry clasp and charm conceptwherein geometric shapes and pins may be utilized.

FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment ofalternative designs of the transferable jewelry clasp and charm conceptwherein geometric shapes and pins may be utilized, with the addition ofrotational decorative elements.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a further embodiment of thetransferable jewelry clasp.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of thetransferable jewelry clasp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently exemplary embodimentsof the apparatus and does not represent the only forms in which thepresent apparatus may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the apparatus in connection with the illustrated embodiments.However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functionsand sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

A transferable jewelry clasp that allows for interchangeable jewelrydesigns and styles is introduced below. Herein, in certain embodiments,the transferable jewelry clasp comprises an upper part or portion andlower part portion which are in communication with one another by use ofat least one latch arm or in a pivotal manner by means of a hinge pin.In some embodiments, one latch arm may be attached to the upper part ofthe jewelry clasp and one latch arm may be attached to the lower part.In another embodiment, at least one snap clasp is attached diametricallyopposed to the hinge pin, which may be in communication with a latcharm. In preferred embodiments, the transferable jewelry clasp may beattached to a multi-purpose pin. The multipurpose pin in accordance withpreferred embodiments includes an oval or circular hoop and a backingwhich attaches to the circular hoop by suitable fastening means such asby fastening pins.

Referring now to the figures to illustrate an embodiment, FIG. 1Aillustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the jewelry clasp10. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the jewelry clasp, wherein thejewelry clasp comprises a left part 12 a and a right part 12 b. The leftpart 12 a and the right part 12 b of the jewelry clasp 10 are incommunication with each other by use of an attachment pin 14 asindicated in FIG. 1C.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate additional embodiments of a transferable jewelryclasp. Herein, FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a transferablejewelry clasp fully assembled 20. FIG. 2B illustrates a top perspectiveview of the transferable jewelry clasp, wherein a latch arm 22 isdisplayed that may be in communication with a latch arm clasp 24. FIG.2C illustrates a side view of the transferable jewelry clasp, whereinthe latch arm 22 is engaged with the latch arm clasp 24. As shown, thetransferable jewelry clasp comprises of two opposing arms 28 a, 28 b incommunication with each other by a pin hinge 26. The opposing armscomprise a first arm 28 a which comprises of the latch arm clasp 24 anda second arm 28 b that further comprises the latch arm 22. The pin hinge26 allows for the first arm 28 a and the second arm 28 b to pivotallymove for attachment purposes. In certain embodiments, the shape, ornumber of latch arms may vary and the transferable jewelry clasp mayvary in size, shape, color, and design.

FIGS. 2D-2G illustrate several embodiments of the transferable jewelryclasp. Further, FIG. 2H illustrates another embodiment of thetransferable jewelry clasp 21 with an additional looped attachment means25 or eyelet mechanism 25. The varying transferable jewelry claspsallows for numerous styles and designs of jewelry pieces and contributesto interchangeable styles of jewelry pieces.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment of thetransferable jewelry clasp 30. With this embodiment, the transferablejewelry clasp comprises 3 pin mechanisms 32 a, 32 b, 32 c. In otherembodiments, the transferable jewelry clasp may have varying number ofpin mechanisms, or pins. Different styles may comprises two, three,four, five, or more pin mechanisms. As above, the transferable jewelryclasp is not limited as to shape, number of pin mechanisms or size ofpin mechanisms. An increase in the number of pin mechanisms serves toallow for greater iterations of interchangeable jewelry designs andstyles.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate a set of matching elements of the jewelry bailand clasp system, namely a set of circular members. FIG. 4A illustratesa perspective view of a multi-purpose mating jewelry hoop 40. In oneembodiment, the multi-purpose mating jewelry hoop system 40 which maycomprise a receiving hoop 42 and an engaging hoop 44, which attaches tothe receiving hoop 42 by suitable fastening means such as by mating andretaining pins 46A, 46B, 46C. In the instant embodiment, the receivinghoop 42 comprises an annular configuration with a suitable outerdiameter for receiving accessories.

FIGS. 4B and 4C further illustrate the receiving hoop 42 as illustratedin FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the receiving hoop 42 andFIG. 4C illustrates a front view of the receiving hoop 42 furtherillustrating the receiving apertures 48. In the instant embodiment, five(5) receiving apertures 48 are illustrated.

FIGS. 4D and 4E illustrate an additional embodiment of the receiving andengaging hoop. FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of the engaging hoop 45,further identifying an embodiment with three (3) mating and retainingpins 45A, 45B, 45C visible. FIG. 4E illustrates a front view of thereceiving hoop 47 further illustrating a series of larger, moredecorative receiving apertures 49. In the instant embodiment, twelve(12) receiving apertures 49 are illustrated.

In one embodiment, the configuration of the receiving hoop 42, 47 mayinclude an inner diameter ranging from 1.0 inch to 8.0 inches and anouter diameter ranging from 2.00 inch to 14.0 inches. Numerous sizes ofdiameters may be utilized, however, these different size configurationsin no way depart from the principles of the present concept. As above,the transferable jewelry clasp is not limited as to shape, number of pinmechanisms or size of pin mechanisms. An increase in the number of pinmechanisms serves to allow for greater iterations of interchangeablejewelry designs and styles.

Referring further to FIG. 4A-4E, in different embodiments, therespective hoops 42, 44, 45, 47 should possess a width of sufficientdimension to stably support jewelry accessories, while at the same timebeing light enough to be worn comfortably. In an exemplary embodiment,the hoop 42, 44, 45, 47 may have a width ranging from 0.9 inch to 14.1inches.

The embodiments shown herein are in no way limited the system includingan oval or a circular configuration for the hoop mechanism. For example,a parallelogram configuration, such as a rectangular or square design,may be used for the shape of the hoop.

Herein, as further illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4D respectively, thesuitable fastening means such as pins 46A, 46B, 46C and 45A, 45B, 45Cmay include, but are not limited to, three pin mechanisms but in otherembodiment may comprise varying numbers of pin mechanisms or othersuitable fastening means. The placement of the pins and the holes arenot limited to embodiments in the figures nor which side of the claspthe pins or the holes will be placed.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, further embodiments of the transferablejewelry clasp 50 are shown. In these embodiments, at least one pinmechanism 52 is used. In other embodiments, the transferable jewelryclasp may have varying number of pin mechanisms. Different styles maycomprises two, three, four, five, or more pin mechanisms. As above, thetransferable jewelry clasp is not limited to shape and size of the pinmechanisms. The number of pin mechanisms allows for interchangeablejewelry designs and styles.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an additional embodiment ofthe transferable jewelry clasp utilizing a centralized, single pin 52configuration and at least one bejeweled side. FIG. 5B illustrates aperspective view of an additional embodiment of the transferable jewelryclasp utilizing a centralized, single pin 52 configuration. FIG. 5Cillustrates a front view of an additional embodiment of the transferablejewelry clasp utilizing a centralized, single pin 52 configuration.

FIG. 6A illustrates a further embodiment of alternative designs of thetransferable jewelry clasp and charm concept wherein alphabet lettersmay be utilized. Specifically here, the attachable member includes aletter “S” configuration 60 and further illustrates the individualprongs 61, two (2) prongs 61 are present in this configuration. Theseand other configurations may be used without departing from theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment ofalternative designs of the transferable jewelry clasp and charm conceptwherein geometric shapes and pins may be utilized. In the instantembodiment, the geometric shape a triangle 62 is illustrated, in thisembodiment, the triangle 62 utilizes three prongs 63.

FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment ofalternative designs of the transferable jewelry clasp and charm conceptwherein geometric shapes and pins may be utilized, with the addition ofrotational decorative elements. In the instant embodiment, the geometricshape a cylinder 64 is illustrated and in this embodiment, the cylinder64 may also include a decorative rotational device 65 and a set ofretaining pins 66, in this case two pins 66.

In additional embodiments, a multi-member interchangeable jewelry systemis featured. FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a further embodiment ofthe multi-member interchangeable jewelry clasp, bail and charm systemwherein three separate jewelry pieces are interwoven to create adistinctive three facet jewelry piece 70. In the instant embodimentshown is an ornamental hoop 71, and additional larger ornamentalbejeweled hoop 72, joined by a bejeweled clasp mechanism. FIG. 7Billustrates a perspective view of the multi-member interchangeablejewelry system again illustrating the distinctive tri-member jewelrypiece 70. Further illustrated is the ornamental hoop 71, the largerornamental hoop 72 and the bejeweled clasp mechanism 73. Again theembodiments illustrated are in no manner limited to any specific colorshape and size of jewels, pins or the clasp.

In one embodiment, as illustrated herein, the multi-member jewelrysystem may include an upper member, a central member and a lower memberwherein the upper member and the central member are in slidingcommunication and wherein the central member and the lower member are insliding communication. Also, the upper member may include a static hoop,the central member may include a dynamic clasp hoop and the lower membermay include a static hoop. However, any number of members may beutilized and in any combination, thus as many as 20 or more members maybe utilized.

Thus the combining of pieces defines an interchangeable jewelry systemwherein each item may be combined with a clasp, or clasps to become aninterchangeable (building block-like) system by taking any stone, chain,or pendant and building ever changing unique pieces.

In certain other embodiments, the transferable jewelry clasps ormulti-purpose pins may be formed of a single sheet of suitable materialsuch as metal, plastic, or any combination thereof. It should beunderstood that various alternatives to the embodiments of thedisclosure described herein may be employed in practicing thedisclosure. Elements of an implementation of the systems and methodsdescribed herein may be independently implemented or combined with otherimplementations. It is intended that the claims to follow with theutility application define the scope of the disclosure and that systems,methods, and devices within the scope of these claims and theirequivalents be covered thereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A transferable jewelry clasp for interchangeablejewelry styles and designs comprising: a left part of the jewelry clasp;a right part of the jewelry clasp, wherein the left and right part ofthe jewelry clasp are in communication with each other by use of atleast one attachment pin; at least one multi-purpose pin comprising: ahoop; and, a backing, wherein the backing is attached to the hoop by atleast one fastening pin.
 2. The transferable jewelry clasp forinterchangeable jewelry styles and designs of claim 1, wherein the atleast one multi-purpose pin further comprises at least one hingemechanism.
 3. The transferable jewelry clasp for interchangeable jewelrystyles and designs of claim 1 further comprising a fastener forsupporting jewelry on the wearer, comprising a hoop and a backingmember.
 4. The transferable jewelry clasp for interchangeable jewelrystyles and designs of claim 3 further comprising three fastening pinsand three receiving apertures.
 5. A transferable jewelry claspcomprising: a first arm; a second arm; a pin hinge; a latch arm; and, alatch arm clasp.
 6. The transferable jewelry clasp of claim 5, whereinthe first arm and the second arm are attached by the pin hinge.
 7. Thetransferable jewelry clasp of claim 5, wherein the first arm and thesecond arm are pivotally attached by the pin hinge.
 8. The transferablejewelry clasp of claim 5, wherein the first arm comprises of the latcharm.
 9. The transferable jewelry clasp of claim 5, wherein the secondarm comprises the latch arm clasp.
 10. The transferable jewelry clasp ofclaim 5, wherein the latch arm is in communication with the latch armclasp.
 11. A multi-member jewelry system comprising: an upper member; acentral member; a lower member; wherein the upper member and the centralmember are in sliding communication and wherein the central member andthe lower member are in sliding communication.
 12. The multi-memberjewelry system of claim 11 wherein the upper member comprises a statichoop.
 13. The multi-member jewelry system of claim 11 wherein thecentral member comprises a dynamic clasp hoop.
 14. The multi-memberjewelry system of claim 11 wherein the lower member comprises a statichoop.